How much sun does Duckweed need?

Duckweed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Duckweed bloom?

Duckweed blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Duckweed native?

Duckweed (Lemna minor) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Duckweed toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Duckweed as toxic to livestock.

Is Duckweed HOA-friendly?

Duckweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Duckweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lemna minor

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Duckweed as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

0.1"–0.5" H × 1"–4" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Duckweed is a tiny floating aquatic plant that forms dense mats on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water. Each plant consists of a small oval leaf pad about the size of a fingernail. It reproduces rapidly and can quickly cover entire water surfaces.

In an HOA neighborhood

Duckweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Aquatic plant only suitable for water features
Can become invasive and cover entire pond surfaces
Not appropriate for typical residential landscaping

Wildlife value

Duckweed provides food for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic insects. It also offers shelter for small aquatic creatures and helps oxygenate water bodies.

Common questions

How much sun does Duckweed need?: Duckweed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Duckweed bloom?: Duckweed blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Duckweed native?: Duckweed (Lemna minor) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Duckweed toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Duckweed as toxic to livestock.
Is Duckweed HOA-friendly?: Duckweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Duckweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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